Ontario Invests in Specialized Disaster Response Teams in Thunder Bay

News Release

Ontario Invests in Specialized Disaster Response Teams in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY — Ontario's government is keeping the people of Thunder Bay safe by investing $450,000 for specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and Hazardous Materials (HazMat) teams.

These emergency response teams are comprised of specialized police, firefighters and paramedics, and provide support in situations where additional or more technical resources are required.

"When disaster strikes, families need to have confidence that help is on the way," said MPP Christine Hogarth, Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General. "That's why we're providing Thunder Bay with funding to respond quickly and effectively to large-scale and complex emergencies."

"Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is proud to provide a highly skilled and professional response when called upon in times of emergency. The funding from the Ontario government will help support our USAR and HazMat teams with the resources needed to deal with a wide variety of rescue situations and hazards. When a disaster happens, we're ready to respond. We look forward to continue being a necessary component of the province's emergency response program for years to come," said John Hay, Fire Chief.

"First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to protect us," said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General. "That's why we are committed to providing these brave men and women with the tools they need to keep our communities and our families safe."